After reading so many requests and comments for a Facilitator guide template I thought it might help some folks to discuss a little to discuss what elements a good FG might include. The information below only refers to the body information; I can post up opening and appendixes info in another post if anyone is interested. There is no one “right way” to put a FG together and you should always look for ways to make it work for you personally. Remember, the guide is meant to assist the facilitator deliver effective and impactful training, not look good in a template catalogue.

I’ve developed training guides of all types for over a decade and my preferences have continually changed as time progress, but over time I’ve found a few tried and true elements that work well. Note: Please keep in mind that all of my work is now (and has been for the past 7 years or so) in Microsoft Word. You may need to make a few adjustments if you are using another word processing program.

1. Include two columns on a single page. The left hand column should be used as reference regarding what task is being conducted and what element the right hand information is referring to. An example of this is to include the page number that the participants should be viewing in their guide, or what slide you should be on in your PowerPoint presentation. Most commonly small reminder icons are used in this column i.e. a TV icon to indicate that a video is going to be played, a flipchart icon to indicate that information should be recorded on flip chart paper. This column is a quick reference and should contain as little information as possible.
2. The left hand column usually contains three bits of information. Each one should have a different look such as bold, italics, and bulleted. The three most common types of info are: 1) scripted text for the trainer/facilitator to read or expound verbatim (or close to it depending on the nature of the training.) I’ve found that writing this in Bold is best 2)tips and hints to the trainer one what to expect or how to approach an exercise, discussion, or module. I like this info in italics. 3) instructions for activities or discussions. I like this to be in bullets or numbered if in sequence.
3. When I put together the facilitator guide I also think about what I will be looking at when I am at the front of the room. Since I most commonly use a 3-ring binder I always have 2 pages facing me. You can either leave the left page blank for your own personal notes or what I like to do is paste the associated Participant Guide page. It helps give me a quick reference without having to walk over to a participant and look at theirs or opening another document.
4. Finally, as a fourth option you can add a small far left column with the time frame for each element of your instruction. It’s one thing to know how long a module should last but I like knowing how long a discussion, lecture, activity, etc. should last.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me anytime. jgrooms@printpack.com

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JasonD,

Could you please send me a copy as well: karen_niessink@nylim.com

I really need a copy!!! I also sent you an email. I appreciate this post--as we trainers say, this is JIT. Thanks!

gina.sebree@hrblock.com

Can you send me the facilitator guide template. It sure would come in handy right about now. rpurvinis@yahoo.com

I have just joined this commuity and I would love to receive the facilitator guide template and if you have one available a participants guide template. My email is: tlanis_52@comcast.net Thanks